Description
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, requiring minimal prep work, making it a brilliant go-to meal for when time is of the essence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or any small pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, ensuring that no pink remains and the beef is well-cooked. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. At this stage, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the beef and tomato mixture until well-coated. This ensures every bite is infused with savory goodness.
- Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a uniform cheesy layer. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Notes
This casserole holds up well for the next day’s lunch. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Protein: 25 g